Body of Tiffin fisherman is recovered from lake

10/10/2005

PORT CLINTON The body of a Lake Erie fisherman who disappeared on the water last week was found several yards from the Ottawa County shoreline yesterday.

Donald Placko, 64, of Tiffin, Ohio, was found yesterday afternoon by a couple walking on a Lake Erie beach at the end of North Bertchen Street, in Erie Township a mile west of Port Clinton.

The Ottawa County Sheriff s Office was called to retrieve the body.

The U.S. Coast Guard had been searching for Mr. Placko since the evening of Oct. 2, when his empty, 24-foot pleasure craft was found by another boater with its engine still warm and keys still in its ignition. Coast Guard officials then contacted his wife, who confirmed that he had been alone.

Mr. Placko had been on a fishing trip at Crib Reef, just north of the Davis-Besse nuclear power station.

Authorities await an autopsy from the Lucas County Coroner s Office.